The excellent level of Greece and Estonia’s relations was emphasized by the Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis In his statements after his meeting with the Estonian Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahknain Talline.
At the same time, the Greek Foreign Minister pointed out the need to further strengthen the Balkan states’ relations with the Baltic countries in order to form a common attitude on foreign policy and security issues, as the challenges- as he said- are common.
“Despite our geographical distance, the challenges we face are common. Estonia is located in the eastern wing of NATO and Greece in the southeast, “said Mr. Galpetritis.
He added that the two countries share a lot of commonalities, such as being coastal countries, which often makes things more complicated, as he said.
“We understand more intensely the challenges and, sometimes, threats. That is why we spend more than 3% of our GDP on defense. We share the common European perception of strategic autonomy. We both welcome the strengthening of European defense mechanisms with the aim of developing the European Defense Industry. We maintain commercial, defensive, strategic and cultural ties and consider it important to develop them further, “Mr Gerapetritis noted.
He emphasized that, despite their geographical distance, the Baltic and the Balkans should deepen their relations and said that it is important to develop a common attitude on foreign policy and security issues, as the challenges are common. “We often face similar forms of aggression. On the other hand, global problems are becoming increasingly complex. We also saw it at the United Nations General Assembly last week. I was present and participated in the Extraordinary Security Council meeting, which was convened specifically due to violations of Estonia. It was a clear and provocative violation of Estonia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We have to rally against this kind of aggression, “he said.
He also noted that our country has experienced thousands of Greek airspace violations, which it has highlighted in all Foras, including the European Union and the United Nations, and added: “We fully share Estonia’s concerns, especially in periods of aggression, such as today. We unite our voice with Estonia, Poland and Romania and condemn the violations of national territory in all forms. “
Referring to maritime security, he said it is important that we have a strategy on this issue, and reminded that Greece has set sea security as a priority during its term in the United Nations Security Council and has taken many relevant initiatives.
“In this context, I must confirm in the most intense way our steady commitment to the fight against a phenomenon, such as Russia’s shadow fleet. Not only because it reflects Russia’s aggression vehicle against Ukraine and the world, but because it is a huge threat to sea security. We discussed extensively with my colleague about coordinating our actions to have a more meaningful and effective supervision of the situation with regard to the shadow fleet, “he said and added:
“We have to end the wars and conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. It is important to have peace because this is required for global security. It is important to develop our synergies in this direction. It is also important to coordinate our actions on the international fora. “
Referring to the promotion of interconnection, he said that Greece has added the “Fourth Sea” to the three seas initiative, which is essentially a single space, a European space, “which we must defend and promote”.
“Of course we have to develop all sorts of cooperation in terms of investment, trade and the economy. We have a series of bilateral agreements. I think the most important of these are about energy, cyber security and digital governance. Estonia is one of the pioneers in terms of cutting -edge technologies and artificial intelligence, which we are trying to develop. We would welcome the exchange of know -how, “said Mr. Galpetritis and concluded:
“I think, dear friend Margus, that the conversion of the European Union into a Geopolitical Union presupposes close ties, especially between countries sharing the same perceptions of the deeper problems of the present situation in Europe. We need to enhance our efforts for a Europe with more prosperity in the future. We are currently recognizing the need for a greater, stronger and united Europe based on cohesion, competitiveness and strategic autonomy.
This is what my visit marks. We are working together, the two foreign ministers and the two states for a more autonomous and strong Europe. “
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